Graham Leo Cincoski

In true fashion I am late with my birth story of baby #2 by almost 4 months.....so here goes!!!

I had my 38 week appointment on Monday March 25. I was dilated 3 cm and 70% effaced. My OB offered to strip my membranes, but I told him I would wait it out. Cut to Thursday and I think my water broke. I go into the OB and find out really I just peed my pants for the first time ever. So NOT what I wanted to hear. Offered to strip my membranes again and I agreed. I didn't really think anything would happen since it didn't do anything for me when they did it when I was in labor with Charles.

I woke up around 3am on Friday March 29th to some contractions. They were getting a little stronger so I decided to hit the bath to make sure it was the real deal. They didn't go away and were now getting closer together. Joe called L&D and the charge nurse said to come in when we were ready. I wanted Charles to sleep a little longer so Joe and I had some breakfast and then gave Charlie a bottle. I finished packing Charlies bag so he could go to Jessica's house for a few days.

Our last picture as a family of 3


I got to the hospital around 9:30am and was at 3.5cm and 75% effaced. The nurse wasn't officially admitting us yet because they wanted to see how I progressed and L&D was full. I must have walked the hallway for 2 hours straight. I was really frustrated and afraid they were going to send me home. I had a birth photographer all lined up and didn't want to call her so that we would all just be staring at each other! We didn't even get the suitcase out of the car yet. We wanted both our moms to be here for the water birth but were unsure to call them yet. Joes mom was up north 3 hours away at the cabin, so we didn't want to have her come home for nothing. 

Around 12 my OB ran into us in the hallway and said "You don't look like you are in labor"....UMMM OK! I FEEL like I am lol. He then said that we wouldn't be able to do a water birth like I had planned because I hadn't done a Hepatitis C blood test yet. He was unaware about the test until I went in and felt really bad. I honestly didn't care at that point. I just wanted to be admitted and find out if I was having a boy or girl. As long as I could still go natural and med free I was happy.

FINALLY at 2:30 I was admitted. I was so happy I hugged my nurse. Joe went to the car to get our things and I started laboring in the tub. My contractions were about 2 minutes a part by this time and it felt so good to get in the water. We called our Moms to let them know this was the real deal. Joe's mom left the cabin and my mom was going to go to Good Friday mass at church.

Things really progressed after I was admitted. Around 5pm the nurse checked me and I was at 5cm 100% effaced and 0 station. I got on the birthing ball and had Joe do acupressure on my back. Our birth photographer Stef got there about 5:15pm and started taking pictures. That was around the time I felt like I had to push. Joe panicked and called my mom and told her to hurry up ( she was at our house letting Stella out and picking up last minute things we had forgotten). Luckily we only live 10 minutes away from the hospital. He also called his mom who was still 20 minutes away. I guess she was speeding at that point.

I started to do some aromatherapy to relax which helped quite a bit. I was sick of the birthing ball and just wanted to lay in the bed. I was so uncomfortable from the pressure on my cervix. Standing up hurt so bad I thought the baby was going to fall out. My nurse Kathy checked me again and I was at 8cm 0 station. She called my OB to get here for delivery right as my mom walked in. It was about 5:40pm.

Things stalled for a bit and all I could think about was pushing. My OB and Joe's mom arrived at the same time 5:55pm. He asked if he could break my water and said it should dilate me the rest of the way. I said do whatever you need to lol. After a few contractions he checked me and I was complete. Kathy set up the mirror so I could see the birth.It was 6:10pm and Dr. Ashford gave me the go ahead to  push on my next contraction. I did and I heard Joe say I can see hair! Kathy grabbed my hand and put it down so I could feel the babies head. When I felt it I decided I didn't want to have it go back inside me and pushed with all my energy. I head everyone gasp.The baby slid right out and Dr. Ashford caught the baby with one hand because he had turned away. That's how quick it happened. I looked down to see what it was right as Joe said "It's a boy"!!!! I was so ecstatic. Graham Leo Cincoski was born at 6:12pm weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces. He was 20 inches long and had a full head of hair.

                                                                                                                                                                        I had a few visitors that night, but best of all was having my close friends from my MN Mommy group come. I met them all when I was pregnant with Charles and it was so special for all of them to be there.

Charles had a cold so he didn't get to come until the next night.

Life is very complete and fulfilling right now. I am so happy to have 2 wonderful boys and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

  

37 weeks and miserable

Well I hit 37 week....made it to term! I had Charlie at 37 weeks so I already feel overdue lol. I had a case of very bad vomiting and diarrhea the other night. I couldn't even keep fluids down and I was having very painful cramping and contractions every 5 minutes. We went to Labor and Delivery where they pumped me with some fluids and Zofran. I am feeling much better today, but after that little teaser of being at the hospital I just want baby OUT! My parents are about 4 hours from being home, so I'm glad baby held out for them. Hoping I go soon. Here's a horrible picture from HDBD yesterday. My face is super puffy from all of the IV fluids. 

WEEKLY STATS
WEIGHT: 140
CRAVINGS: Ice chips and not much else....no room to put anything!
HOW I FEEL: I am ready for this pregnancy to be done! I just want to hold and snuggle my baby and know if it's an Isla or Graham.

36 weeks!

I had my 36 week appointment today. Pretty standard, pee in a cup, take blood pressure and weight, finger prick to check blood levels. I of course couldnt see over my whole belly, so most of my urine sample went on my hand and not the cup lol.

I had my first internal exam and I am 2CM dilated 75% effaced and babys head is nice and low. With this time last year with Charles I was 1CM and 50% effaced....and then I had him the next week! Eek! Baby needs to stay in at least until my parents get back from Texas...then it will be fair game :)  I am guessing it will be March 27th which is the next full moon. I had Charlie on the full moon last February.

36 Week Stats:
WEIGHT: 139
CRAVINGS: Ice chips that have been soaking in pop (weird I know)
HOW I FEEL: TIRED!!!!!!!!! So ready to see if it's a boy or girl though.

Babymoon

Joe and I just got back from our babymoon. We spent a week in South Padre Island Texas. It was very relaxing and the weather was nice. I went to the Sea Turtle rescue since I am obsessed with turtles. We went out to eat quite a bit and of course got a nice tan by the pool! A highlight was deep sea fishing.  I started having some contractions the last 2 nights we were there. I was pretty nervous I was going to go into labor in a different state! Thankfully baby is still cooking....but I have a feeling with all the cramping I've had it will be early like Charlie was. I am nervous my parents won't make it back in time for the birth of new baby. They are in Texas for 2 more weeks. We had invited Joe's mom and mine to witness the birth. Fingers crossed baby stays put!

33 weeks

Well The countdown is own (when hasn't it though!). 4-7 weeks left of this pregnancy. Things have been the opposite for me. Usually the 3rd trimester is supposed to drag on, but for me it's flying by! We leave for our babymoon to South Padre Island on Tuesday for a week, so when I get back I'll be 35 weeks. I had Charles at 37...so we'll see! Although my Mum said I need to hold new baby in until 37 weeks 3 days, because that's when she and my dad get back from South Padre Island. I'm predicting March 27...the next full moon...I mean hey!...it worked for Charlie :)

Charlie is sick for the first time. Poor little guy. He has a sinus infection and is wanting lots of extra cuddles and kisses. I am more than happy to give them to him, but I feel bad that he is hurting. I pray he gets better before the trip because I am going to feel sad leaving him for a week.

STATS

WEIGHT: 137
CRAVINGS: Fruit/sweets
How I'm feeling: Anxious!

1 Year !

Charles is 1 today! Where did the time go?!? I can't believe how quickly this last year went. I honestly feel like we just came home from the hospital. He is all ready for his big party tomorrow. Hopefully he won't be too cranky. We have swimming lessons in the morning and I really don't want to skip it. We got him a big boy haircut a few days ago and if I say so....he sure looks handsome!

Joe and I put together a small list of a few highlights over the last year:

 1. We love how you have my eye shape, but your dads dark green with a dot of brown color for eyes. 

2. We love how you laugh and smile at everything 

3. We love how you shake your booty when music is on 

4. We love all the hugs and kisses you give us so freely. 

5. Dad loves how you and I look out the window at him to watch for when he comes home from work.

 6. Dad loves how excited you get when you see him after a long day of working. 

7. We love how God created you as a perfect mix of the both of us. 

8. Most of all we love that we are your Mum and Papa, and that you are exactly what we prayed for.

Coming up on a year

I can't believe my little boy is about to be 1! It is just so crazy to me. Time has FLOWN by and I am very sad. He is walking around like a mad man and says Dada and Mama quite frequently. I have been working with him on baby sign language and he has signed back MORE and MILK a few times. It has been amazing watching him grow. I can't even imagine what joy the next year will bring.

I am also 30 weeks pregnant! I am on the home stretch and am extremely ready to get my body back, have a drink, and just do normal things....like taking my shoes off without help! I had Charles at 37 weeks so the thought that baby could possibly be here in 7 weeks is insane! I am ready to meet the little lady or new little gentleman.

Here is me in all of my 30 week glory. 135 pounds which is less than I was at this time with Charlie.